Day 1: Bambi Exploring Her Crate!

(Below are two videos from Scott’s Live Facebook Feeds this afternoon. They are in the order in which he filmed them. Enjoy!)

VIDEO #1: BAMBI APPROACHES THE CRATE

Bambi is approaching the transport container! She is doing great for her first day with access to the transport container. In general, she seems to be afraid of a lot of things, but she is doing well.

She hasn’t left the barn in several days, so the crate was placed in the opening between her barn and the outside. Our understanding is she is not leaving the barn due to her fear of the other elephant in the enclosure, Maison. Maison is the elephant outside, who has been aggressive to Bambi in the past. Their enclosure has been divided by electric wire to keep the two elephants separate. A judge ruled that Bambi be transferred to Sanctuary due to her weight loss and other issues. Maison was not included in the court’s ruling, so she will remain at the zoo.

The placement of the crate is the best option available with Bambi not leaving the barn consistently, and it seems to be working well. If you notice the white in her left eye, that is because she is partially blind in that eye. We will better be able to assess her vision once she arrives and is settled at the sanctuary, so we will share more about her vision loss as we know more.

We are starting to see a silly and spunky side to her, and we are looking forward to getting to know her better and sharing what we see and learn.

The video did cut out again, Scott is having a connection issue with his Facebook Lives. We are troubleshooting it and hope we can solve this issue. Thank you so much for your patience as we work to resolve it!

If you’re just joining us and would like to learn more about Bambi and her rescue, you can learn more on Bambi’s Rescue Page here →

September 18, 2020

VIDEO #1: BAMBI CONTINUES TO EXPLORE HER CRATE

Today is going much better than expected, considering she started the day in the corner of her stall, afraid to leave. When the humans enjoyed a break for lunch, they saved a few French fries for Bambi. They put the fries, along with some essential oils, in the transport container for her. It seemed to be a magical combination because she went right in the crate for them.

The zoo employees are very excited to see Bambi feeling this comfortable with the crate. She has put two feet in, and we are very proud of her.

She is very playful and mischievous. She seems to enjoy touching and exploring the crate. She also appears to be testing it to see what she can break, and seems to be having fun with that.

We will be leaving for the sanctuary sometime next week, after giving her a few more days to become comfortable with the transport container.

The team at the zoo reports that she doesn’t like the pond in the enclosure, nor being bathed. This lack of moisture has caused a build-up of dry skin. It is our experience that even elephants who don’t like baths or swimming still love the rain. Once the rainy season begins, and she has other elephants and trees to rub on, we will see her skin change quickly.

She is coming about halfway in the crate and loves sugar cane.

Again, the video unexpectedly cuts out at the end! Scott is still troubleshooting it, and we hope we can solve this issue. Thanks for your patience!

September 18, 2020

Comments(15)

Deb Moore says
September 18, 2020 at 4:20 pm
How big is Miss Bambi compared with the other girls, Scott? she is the cutest. Looking forward to this girl;s arrival. Thanks!
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  September 19, 2020 at 1:42 pm
  He thinks possibly bigger than Maia, but shorter than Rana and Mara. But he also said she may end up being as tall as Rana. It’s hard to tell sometimes.
Kelejan says
September 18, 2020 at 4:21 pm
I have not been able to access this page for some time, but I see that all is OK.
What wonderful people you are in the handling of fraidy-cat elephants. You always let them take their own time, even if nothing goes forward one day you finally manage to get through and each elephant always seem so much happier and healthier even elephants feet that you know will finally heal, you make theirs lives to much better. I do hope that Bambi will make friends with Lady.
Love you all for what you do for these amazing creatures.
Audrey says
September 18, 2020 at 4:37 pm
The food was a great idea, sort of leading the way to the crate. She’s been through so much and with being blind in one eye, would throw her off. I had to wear a patch once and your balance is off for sure.
Barb says
September 18, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Fantastic progress on the first day! Bambi will thrive and receive lots of love and encouragement at ESB. Looking forward to seeing her arrive in sanctuary!
Lila says
September 18, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Bambi is doing great! I am so happy for her ❤
She is a beautiful granny. I can’t wait!
I really hope Maison can join the herd soon. I think her aggressiveness can change once she is home, in sanctuary, and not frustrated in the zoo. It feels sad to leave her behind.
But, back to the main issue here, Bambi deserves this so much. It is time to get her home.
Best from Mexico!!!
Paula says
September 18, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Hermosos vídeos y detalladas descripciones, gracias por tanta generosidad Scott & Kat!
Bambi parece muy predispuesta! Es todo muy prometedor!
Apuesto a que cuando Bambi vea a Maia semisumergida durmiendo la siesta, a Lady chapotear en el estanque o a Scott invitando a una fiesta con el camión cisterna ….simplemente, Bambi no se resistirá!??❤
Debbie Sides says
September 18, 2020 at 5:29 pm
I was thinking one day Maison might go to ESB because sanctuary does wonders. Freedom, space, choice, potential friends. Completely different environment than a small zoo enclosure. I hope one day, she can have that life.
Lori Hoover says
September 18, 2020 at 5:29 pm
I am still pleasantly surprised at how well Bambi seems, all things considered. I babbled away on the earlier post, on other sites, so I’ll keep short. I really enjoyed seeing Bambi in the new videos, showing us more of her sweet self.
I also couldn’t help but notice……….I think Maison has one of the best looking elephant bums I’ve ever seen, LOL I just thought I should put that out there, ha!
Bo says
September 18, 2020 at 6:33 pm
So glad she seems to feel quite comfortable pretty fast, considering all the history.
I really believe it is because she feels the love of people who TRULY love animals, elephants especially in this case, and she senses these people want to do all the best things possible for her.
I had no idea elephants like French Fries!
I hope it is not too bad for them?
But hey, she deserves all the treats.
Scott : yes, she is a heart thief! Smitten with her instantly but then again,
that is what elephants do with us, don’t they?! Yes, they all steal our hearts 🙂
So glad Miss Bambi that you seem to sense these people love you!
Bernadette says
September 18, 2020 at 7:31 pm
Following all the posts. It is now my
Morning ritual coffee and sanctuary. Thankyou for everything you do
Sallie says
September 18, 2020 at 9:49 pm
I clicked on all your “Faqs” and learned so much about this incredible trip etc. All concerns were answered, and I felt so much a part of this trip. Thank you scott and crew. It all looks like a very smooth transition, considering that miss bambi has some major adjustments to make. I hate that maison is still left behind, but perhaps for now, this is a good thing that bambi has all the attention. I doubt that it is a perfect fit, but maybe french fries will heal all wounds!
Patricia says
September 19, 2020 at 4:38 am
My heart and prayers and warm thoughts are with Bambi and Scott and everyone involved with this trip. I’m concerned about how thin she is, but at least she is eating! Bambi does seem to be a girl with a lot of personality–I love her already and can’t wait to see her sanctuary personality.
Rosie P says
September 19, 2020 at 5:32 am
I am riveted and will get nothing done until Bambi is home. I live and breathe her rescue as I do with them all. She is doing just fine, so proud of her and of Scott and the team for all they are doing . Totally amazing. Can’t wait for the next update……….and, yes, Bambi has taken my heart as ransom!!! LOL!
Elisa says
September 19, 2020 at 1:41 pm
I cant wait to go in the “happy residentes”in the website and see BAMBI right under all the other girls names. Cant waiiit!

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